The Latest News on the Southbridge Area! 
The Southbridge Sentinel - Your Independent News Source
- (2/24/2008) The new Wegman's is slated to open in June 2008.
- (2/24/2008) A new fire station will be built in River Oaks, across from the Giant supermarket. It is slated to open later this year.
- (5/21/2007) The Potomac News reports on the development Potomac Town Center, between Opitz and Dale boulevards, is under construction and set to open in the spring of 2008. What's truly interesting is the fact that the Potomac Town Center will include the high-end Wegman's supermarket. Currently, the nearest Wegman's is in Fairfax. This development plus the new Harris Teater in Woodbridge demonstrate the development of desired high-end shopping opportunities within Prince William County. For more, go to:
Potomac News Online | Wegmans set to open in 2008
- (11/23/2006) The Potomac News reports that Harbor Station developer KSI has agreed to proffer more than $58 million in exchange for a comprehensive plan amendment, a rezoning and a special use permit at Harbor Station South on the Cherry Hill Peninsula. For more, go to:
Potomac News OnLine: Harbor Station Gets OK
- (11/22/2006) The Washington Post reports on the opening of the new National Museum of the Marine Corps in Triangle:
Hoping Corps Lore Lures in Tourists - washingtonpost.com
- (11/22/2006) The Washington Post reports on KSI plans for expansion on Cherry Hill:
Despite Lull In Market, KSI Plans Expansion - washingtonpost.com
- (10/10/2006) The followed shop are now open or will be open soon at the new Southbridge Plaza:
-- 5 Guys Burgers -- Frame Masters -- AutoZone
-- Quiznos Subs -- Burke & Herbert Bank and Trust -- Southbridge Barber Shop
-- Mattress Discounters -- Confidence Realty -- Queenly Nails
-- NOVA Wireless -- United Martial Arts
- (10/5/2006) The Potomac News reports Dumfries' plans to annex additional surrounding areas.
Potomac News Online | Dumfries looks at expanding its limits
- (10/2/2006) The Potomac News reports on KSI's application to the County Planning Commission on the expansion of Harbor Station South:
Potomac News Online | KSI plans Harbor Station expansion
- (9/4/2006) The Potomac News announces the groundbreaking of the new Catholic high school at Harbor Station:
Potomac News Online | Groundbreaking set for Catholic school
- (8/21/2006) News Channel 8 and The Potomac News have reported that there will be public hearing about the influx at more commands. The hearing will take place on Tuesday night, AUG 22, 7 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Ramada Inn in Triangle to get comments from residents as part of the base's process to develop an Environmental Impact Statement related in part to the Base Realignment and Closure recommendations that will move several military agencies to Quantico.
NewsChannel 8 - Public Input Sought on Quantico Base Growth
Potomac News Online | Marines want a piece of your mind
- (8/4/2006) The Potomac News discusses the hearings that Congressman Tom Davis is scheduling on the impact of the transfer of more than 22,000 workers to Fort Belvoir:
Potomac News Online | Officials discuss plans for Belvoir
- (8/4/2006) The Potomac News reports on the confirmation of Chairman Connaughton as head of the U.S. Maritime Administration.
Potomac News Online | Connaughton confirmed by U.S. Senate
- (5/17/2006) The Potomac News reports on the Board of Supervisors decision to allowed Verizon to provide cable services in Prince William County:
Potomac News Online | Verizon will enter local cable market
- (5/17/2006) The Washington Post reports on the discretionary spending of the PWC Supervisors:
Public Funds Spent at Officials' Whim
- (5/10/2006) The Potomac News reports on the development of the Route 1 corridor:
Potomac News Online | Corridor getting developed
- (4/20/2006) The Potomac News reports on the development of the Costco store at Potomac Mills, due to open by November:
Potomac News Online | Costco plans announced
- (4/17/2006) The Potomac News reports on the possible development of a Costco store by Potomac Mills where the old Van's Skate Park was located.
Potomac News Online | Supervisors to consider Costco
- (3/30/2006) The Potomac News reports on developments with the new Catholic high school on Cherry Hill:
Potomac News Online | Catholic school moves forward
- (12/20/2005) News Channel 8 has reported that VDOT intends to go ahead with creating HOT lanes for both I-95 and I-395. To see more, go to: NewsChannel 8 - VDOT Building HOT Lanes for I-95, 395
- (10/19/2005) It's finished! Prince William County reports the completion of the Prince William County Parkway, all the way to Route 1. To see more, go to:
Prince William County - Visitors / News Releases & Publications / 2005
- (10/4/2005) The Potomac News reports on the donation of 30 acres by KSI to the Leesylvania State Park:
Potomac News Online | KSI donates land to park
- (6/19/2005) The Washington Post reports on the future development of the Town of Quantico in the face of the upcoming base realignments.
Quantico Looking to a Busier Future
- (5/24/2005) The Potomac News reports on attempts by the Board of Supervisors to change development planning rules which can affect local developmenst such as Harbor Station:
Potomac News Online | Supervisors put planning measure on hold
- (5/19/2005) The Potomac News reports on an arrest from the dog-biting incident:
Potomac News Online | Man arrested for brother's dogs
- (5/18/2005) The Potomac News reports on the dog biting incident in which three children were bitten by dogs on Wexford Loop by two dogs, including a pit bull.
Potomac News Online | Police looking for dog owners
- It's official, Southbridge, Virginia is now an address!
Potomac News Online | County gets Postal Service overhaul
- (2/24/2005) The Washington Post reports on the proposed property tax for Prince William County:
Pr. William Property Tax Cut Proposed (washingtonpost.com)
- (1/12/2005) Delegate Jeff Frederick reports on his web site that he secure funding to expand the commuter lot on Route 234:
Delegate Jeff Frederick | News
- (1/12/2005) The Potomac News has a report on residents' complaints on mud and debris covering Possum Point Road from all the developments.:
Potomac News: Road Work Muddies Up Dumfries
- (1/12/2005) Good News! The Potomac News reports that VA Department of Environmental Quality has ordered the close of the Potomac Landfill by December 31, 2010.
State Says That LandFill Must Be Closed by 2010
- (1/12/2005) The Washington Post reports on Prince William County's efforts to bring in better paying jobs in our area:
County Aims to Add Better-Paying Jobs (washingtonpost.com)
- (1/12/2005) The Potomac News reports on how the discovery of abestos at the Quantico train has delayed its opening as a museum:
Potomac News Online | Quantico train station delayed, not derailed
- (12/14/2004) Supervisor Maureen Caddigan released a statement about recent developments on Route 234. They are included on our Local Transportation page. Also, there is a Potomac News article on the subject.
- (12/5/2004) The Potomac News has 2 reports on the developments with Harbor Station:
Potomac News Online | Harbor Station construction begins after plan's approval
Potomac News Online | Some residents still concerned over KSI's plan
- (11/25/2004) Southbridge HOA President Jim Riley announced that he received the following information from KSI:
KSI is
planning to begin construction at Harbor Station next
week. The County has approved an early clearing and grading
plan for the first portion of the new Cherry Hill Road and Harbor Station
Parkway. We expect to have our final permits in hand by Monday,
November 29th. Surveyors have been flagging the limits
of clearing for this activity
over the past several weeks. We are also in the process of moving
the grading equipment onto the site for the start of
work next week.
Their initial clearing will not be very extensive
because the first step is the installation of our
erosion and siltation controls. It will take
about two months to install these E&S Controls. When that is
complete, they will begin more extensive and
more visible land clearing and grading activities for
these initial roads.
The golf course grading plan is still under review at the
County, but they hope to obtain permits for the
start of its construction within 60 days.
By the way, the County Planning Commission is going to
reconsider our Preliminary Subdivision Plan again next Wednesday, December
1st at 7:00 PM. I hope that we
could again ask for the support of the Association for
its approval. There will be an opportunity to express
support for Harbor Station at the "Citizen Comment" time at the beginning
of the meeting. They
hope that Southbridge Board members could be
there at the McCoart building that evening to let the
Planning Commission know that after more than a year
of rigorous review, it is time to build Harbor
Station.
- (11/25/2004) This is now a new Republican organization in Southbridge. For more info, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/southbridge_gop/
- (11/12/2004) Southbridge HOA President Jim Riley has made the following announcement:
Southbridge on the Potomac residents will enjoy special privileges at a championship 18-hole Signature course designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus located in its sister community of Harbor Station. After two years of work, design for the Nicklaus course is complete, with construction expected to begin in late 2004. Partial play will begin in 2006 and the course will be open to full play in 2007. "We will take great care to design a course that takes advantage of this spectacular waterfront location, with its town center and open spaces," said Nicklaus. "This has the potential to be a very special golf course, and one our organization, and most important, the people who play the course, will be proud of in the end."
- (11/12/2004) The Washington Post reports on delays in building the new Catholic High School:
Washington Post: New Catholic High School Delayed
- (11/5/2004) The Potomac News and The Washington Post have the news about KSI's latest plans for Cherry Hill:
Potomac News: Conference Center Planned for Cherry Hill
Washington Post: Upscale Hotel Planned in Prince William
- (11/2/2004) People who can hear traffic getting louder near their homes along Va. 234 are encouraged to attend a meeting Thursday with Delegate Jeff Frederick, R-52nd. Frederick is hosting the meeting at Forest Park High School with state transportation officials and State Sen. Charles J. Colgan, D-29th. He said he's looking for residents' guidance on how long and far he should fight for sound walls. The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m., for more info, go to: Potomac News: Lawmaker Plans Meeting on I-95 Noise
- (11/1/2004) The Gainesville Times has an interesting article on what happening with the PWC Planning Committee's vote on Harbor Station and its implications. However, there is one small error. It refers to all of Southbridge as now Harbor Station, that is quite wrong. There are two separate entities. The article is as follows:
The Gainesville Times: Gainesville's Outrage Leads to Cherry Hill Plan Denial
- (10/18/2004) The PWC Planning Commission is scheduled to vote on the 'new' Cherry Hill/Southbridge/Harbor Station site plan, per the information below.
When - Wednesday, October 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Where - McCoart Government Center
Comments - There is no public hearing; citizens who wish to speak must do so at Citizen's Time and can also send written comments in advance.
To find out more, go to: http://www.pwconserve.org/issues/cherryhill/index.html
- (9/25/2004) The Potomac News reports on the new Catholic high school in Harbor Station:
Potomac News Online | Catholic school planned near Dumfries
- (8/12/2004) The Potomac News reports on the new Business Park along Route 234.
Potomac News Online | V.A. 234 buisness park underway
- (8/12/2004) The Potomac News Post reports on local officials vision of developments along Route 1:
Potomac News Online | Planners envision U.S. 1
- (6/25/2004) The Potomac News reports on an interesting twist to the Tim's Rivershore saga:
Potomac News Online | Tim's Rivershore sold to KSI
- (6/25/2004) The Washington Post reports on a development that will provide 150 jobs to the area:
General Dynamics will add 150 workers in Woodbridge
- (6/22/2004) The Potomac News reports on the groundswell of support for Tim's:
Potomac News Online | Community rallies around Tim's Rivershore
- (6/22/2004) The Potomac News has an editorial on the Tim's Rivershore situation:
Potomac News Online | Yet another storm
- (6/22/2004) The Potomac News reports on the developments surrounding KSI's Harbor Station, much of it as
discussed during the Southbridge Annual meeting:
Potomac News Online | Developer applies to form 'community development authority'
- (6/9/2004) The Potomac News reports on the closing of the outside dining area of Tim's Rivershore:
Potomac News Online | Take it inside
- (6/9/2004) The Potomac News reports on the development of Harbor Station:
Potomac News Online | Developer applies to form 'community development authority'
- (5/12/2004) The Washington Post reports on the continued reduction in crime:
Crime in Prince William Drops for 2nd Year (washingtonpost.com)
- (5/12/2004) The Potomac News reports on the debates over the revitalization of Route 1:
Potomac News Online | Supervisors say no to U.S. 1 redevelopment authority
- (4/30/2004) During last night's Annual Meeting, the following occurred:
-- April Knaus, Kevin Washington, and Bradley Parkzes were elected to three year terms as Directors. Kevin Miller was elected to finish
the last two years of John Dittmer's term as Director.
-- Representatives from Dominion VA Power came and discuss the hum coming from the Possum Point power plant and ways to they
are trying to minimize the noise.
-- Representatives from KSI, the developers of Harbor Station presented their plans including:
* A Jack Nicklaus golf course where memberships and green fees will be open for both Harbor Station and Southbridge residents for the same price.
* A VRE Station due to open in 2007 and new to connect the communities to it and stores surrounding it.
* A Catholic high school and a public elementary school.
* An extension of Route 234 from the intersection with Route 1 which connects with streets in Southbridge and Harbor Station, leading to the VRE.
It will eliminate most of the junkyard in that area.
* Development of the shoreline area, including shops, restaurants, and walking paths.
-- Supervisor Maureen Caddigan spoke about developments in the area and her position on local issues. She also introduced her electronic newsletter
- (3/24/2004) One of our neighbors found the following plans for the area behind the Chick-a-Fil on the Prince William County Parkway. They can be viewed at: http://www.klnb.com/PROPERTIES/pdf/Retail/Parkway_Crossing_East/Parkway_Crossing.pdf. So, the stores coming in are:
Bed, Bath & Beyond
Office Depot
Starbuck's
Next Day Blinds
Cold Stone
Noodles & Company
Recollections
And stores in the area that are moving there are:
Babies R Us
Michael's
Ritz Camera
- (3/24/2004) Southbridge Director Jim Riley spoke with Supervisor Caddigan and she told him about the following future developments along Route 234: To the left
of the Four Seasons on Route 234 (just across I-95 from us), a Target, Shoppers Food Warehouse, Starbuck's and Panera Bread will be going in. To the right of the Four Seasons (behind Tiziano's and Montclair Family Restaurant), there will be additional businesses, possibly including a Giant supermarket. (Initial plans were for a Safeway, but they decided against it.)
- (3/24/2004) The Potomac New reports PWC Board of Supervisors Chairman Sean Connaughton is now officially running for Lieutenant Governor:
Potomac News Online | Connaughton runs for lieutenant governor
- (3/24/2004) The Potomac News has the following article on Southbridge Director John Harper:
Potomac News Online | Former school board member charged with posing as officer
- (2/25/2004) Last night, the Southbridge HOA Board of Directors voted on the following items:
- - Install a new alarm system at the Community Center.
- - Chose a contractor to perform renovations to the Community Center, especially for the shower rooms.
- - Pay for additional hours for trash pickup in order to improve the appearance of the streets and parking lots.
- (2/25/2003) The Southbridge HOA will be holding its Annual Meeting & Elections on April 29th, at 7:00 p.m. at Southbridge Elementary School. There will be
three positions available for the Board of Directors. More information and nomination forms will be coming out in the HOA newsletter.
- (2/25/2004) Attention drivers, HOV abuse fines may be on their way soon!
Potomac News Online | HOV fines on the rise
- (2/25/2004) The Washington Post and the Potomac News provides a look at the FY2005 Prince William County budget which may bring increases in overall property taxes.
Potomac News Online | BOCS budget brings increases
Assessments Fuel Spending In Pr. William (washingtonpost.com)
- (2/25/2004) The Washington Post discusses the growth of Comcast as the largest cable provider in the region.
Comcast Rapidly Built Up Local Presence (washingtonpost.com)
- (2/19/2004) Finally, there is a lasting positive development arising from the fight over the Southbridge Wal-Mart. It was reported in the following two articles:
Pr. William Set to Limit Huge Stores (washingtonpost.com)
Potomac News Online | Big-box stores may have limit
- (1/19/2004) The link below leads to the PWC Strategic Plan up to Fiscal Year 2005.
Prince William County - Government / Executive Management / Publications
- (1/19/2003) The Washington Post reports on the effect of the new PWC property tax rates:
Tax Bills to Rise Despite Plan To Lower Rate (washingtonpost.com)
- (1/19/2004) Sometime during the night of January 14th, after 9:00 pm, the Community Center was broken into. Somebody pushed out one of the windows in
the pool area and entered the building. The police feel sure it was a "larger" person because the doors were pushed in with no foot prints so they feel it was
pushed in by shoulders. The Southbridge HOA is in the process of installing an alarm system and making other security improvements.
- (12/17/2003) The ugly, worn wooden fencing between the nice brick fence post columns that we have extending from the Cherry Hill Rd. Southbridge sign is being
removed and replaced with a matching brick half-wall between the columns and topped with wrought iron fencing. This will accent the Southbridge sign and existing
columns very nicely as well as providing a clearer view of Wal-Mart from Rt. 1. A win-win situation that didn't cost us a dime. Also, there have been unofficial
reports that the opening of the Wal-Mart will be delayed until mid-March due to construction delays due to the weather.
- (10/23/2003) The Potomac News reports that the Prince William County Public Works Office has announced some projects for widening some of the local roads
during the next two years:
The Potomac News - Count Announces Road Improvements
- (10/20/2003) Guess who wants to use the Wal-Mart parking lot? Yes, VDOT wants to use the Wal-Mart as a commuter lot since it can't build a replacement
for the one that's already over-crowded. For more info, go to the NBC4 web site:
Wal-Mart Eyed for Commuter Lot
- (10/6/2003) It seems that KSI is looking to help redesign the Downtown Dumfries area according to the following Washington Post report:
Washington Post - KSI Hires Firm to Redesign Downtown Dumfries
- (9/26/2003) During the Southbridge HOA meeting on Tuesday night, Mr. David Cloak from KSI did a presentation on the development of Harbor Station. Some of the
points he brought up were as follows:
-- KSI is a local company and wants to be a good neighbor with Southbridge.
-- KSI will be building the road directly to the VRE station and Town Center first. They should be completed by late 2006/early 2007.
-- The Jack Nicklaus golf course will be open in 2005. All are eligible to join the club as members. It will circle the community.
-- Only the residential areas themselves will be gated. None of the access road to the VRE station or the Town Center will be gated.
Mr. Cloak can be reach at dcloak@ketsco.com or (703) 852-5721.
- (8/19/2003) The following is a letter from Supervisor Maureen Caddigan on developments in the Southbridge area:
Dear Southbridge Neighbors,
My thanks are extended to your Board of Directors for allowing me this opportunity to bring you up to date on some issues that affect the Dumfries District and the
Southbridge Community.
Harbor Station
The Harbor Station community is being designed and developed by KSI, Inc., a local real estate development company that purchased the property, formerly known as Southbridge, from Legend Properties in December 2002. Plans for the first phase of the golf course community have recently been submitted to the County for processing.
Ground breaking for the first phase of the community is estimated to be fall of 2004. Sales will open for the first residential phase of Harbor Station in February 2004.
The first residential neighborhoods will be gated and clustered along the championship golf course being designed by Jack Nicklaus and will be one of his Signature designs.
The golf course is projected to be open for play in the spring of 2006.
Designs for Downtown Harbor Station are now under way. The Downtown area will contain a mix of retail, residential and office uses located along the bluffs of the Potomac
River. The first phase of the Downtown area is projected to be started sometime in 2006. The Virginia Railway Express station design is underway now and the station will
be integrated into Downtown Harbor Station. The projected opening for the VRE station is sometime between 2006 and 2007, subject to the completion of other improvements
that are required up and down the rail line by CSX.
All
of the environmental restrictions, open space reservations and wildlife
corridors specified in the zoning documents (formerly Southbridge)
will be
respected and an elementary school site has been reserved in the first phase of
the residential development
Ground breaking for the initial phase of the New Cherry Hill road extension is scheduled for mid- 2004. This 4 lane divided roadway will provide improved access to Rt. 1 for
the existing residents located along old Cherry Hill Road as
well as access to the new Catholic High School.
Please contact David Cloak, Vice President of Development, KSI, Inc. for further information at http://www.dcloak@ketsco.com/. or visit their website; http://www.harborstation.com/
- (7/3/2003) One of our readers contributed the following story:
KSI now has a Harbor Station website linked to their corporate site (www.harborstation.com). the following information is on the new site:
|
Thank you for visiting Harbor Station, Northern Virginia's most sophisticated new planned community, located on a scenic bluff high above the Potomac River. Our web site is under construction, but please check back with us often. By joining the Harbor Station Founders Club (coming soon) you will get periodic updates and invitations to grand opening events. The Information Center will be opening in October 2003, we look forward to seeing you then. At that time, information on builders, pricing, lot sizes and schedules will be available. Harbor Station is positioned to be the premiere community in the region. Virtually every element on a new homebuyers wish list has been incorporated into the development. Water views, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, private club, retail and unmatched amenities are all high-impact components. These elements are being designed to be stylish and grandiose, yet functional and innovative so they will stand the test of time. Harbor Station will be a destination...and a combination of elements that balance urban convenience and high quality real estate. Please stay tuned for more information! Harbor Station, Dumfries, VA |
- (7/2/2003) The Potomac News has the whole story on the double shooting in the community on Monday night:
- The following are the highlights of last night's Southbridge HOA Annual Meeting:
-- The Annual Meeting will shift from December to April from now on.
-- The Board will now consist of 9 resident members, all elected by the community.
-- Legend Properties has put up bonds to cover all of its remaining financial obligations to Southbridge.
-- Supervisor Caddigan announced that construction the golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus will start in 2004 and take a year and a half to be completed.
Also, she announced the start of the construction of the Catholic high school will also start next year.
-- Based on residents' votes the following people were elected to the Board of Directors:
John Dittmer, Jim Riley, April Knaus, Kevin Washington, Charles Young, and Clifford Maxfield
Note: Next Monday, 28 APR at 7:00 p.m., Board of Directors Meeting at the Community Center
- (4/17/2003) The Prince William Times reports that the PWC Su 80,000 square feet.
- (4/9/2003) The Washington Post reports that Prince William supervisors, all of whom face reelection this fall, will formally adopt a rate of $1.16 per $100 of assessed value
as part of their overall budget next week:
Washington Post - Prince William Lowers Tax Rate
- (4/3/2003) There will be a Charette (meeting) held at the social hall of the Dumfries Triangle Volunteer Fire Department in Triangle from 10:00AM to 3:00PM on May 3rd to
discuss the revitalization of Route 1 in the Triangle area. Citizens and local business people are encouraged to give input to the plans. This is an opportunity to let officials
know what you think and to express what you would like to see as the results of this major undertaking. Interested citizens can stop by at any time throughout the day.
- (4/3/2003) Work is now underway to clear the location for the Marine Corps Heritage Center on land donated by the County in Locust Shade Park. An official
groundbreaking will be scheduled next month. The first phase of the Center is scheduled for opening in 2005 and our infrastructure must be in place prior to that opening. The item
above dealing with Route 1 is directly connected to this subject.
- (3/30/2003) John Dittmer has officially announced his Candidacy for the Board of Directors for Southbridge.
- (3/30/2003) Essentially, Legend is selling its undeveloped land to KSI. However, KSI is still legally bound by the proffers that Legend made to Prince William County to
develop that land. KSI can not back out of the proffers without authorization from the PWC Board of Supervisors. We at the Southbridge Sentinel have received confirmation of
those facts from Supervisor Caddigan’s staff. So, as of now, the Town Center and many aspects of the original Southbridge plan are still on. However, we need to keep an eye on
both KSI’s intentions and the upcoming County elections.
- (2/28/2003) The meeting with the Hensel Phelps Construction Co. went very well. There were no radical changes from the plans discussed back last July. The appearance will
be the same as pictured below. In addition, they provided the following information:
- There will be cameras installed among some of the light poles in the parking lot.
- The will be a chain linked fence around the site during the construction.
- There will be natural barriers and soundproofing built into the back of the store to minimize noise.
- Construction will start around mid-March (depending on the weather).
- The projected finishing date is NOV 17th. The store is projected to be open sometime in mid-JAN 2004.
- (2/28/2003) Lee Reeves, President of the Southbridge HOA, announced at the meeting on Wednesday night that majority control of the Board of Directors will be passed to the
Homeowners. There will be a special election in April 2003 for four new positions. Further detail to follow.
- (2/16/2003) The Hensel Phelps Construction Co., who will be the general contractor for the potential new Wal*Mart in Dumfries will be having a meeting to introduce themselves to the Southbridge community. They asked for an informal meeting with the people in the surrounding area of the Wal*Mart site to address any questions or concerns that people might have.
The Save Southbridge Coalition agreed and the meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb 26th at the Southbridge Community Center at 7:00 p.m. Please write to dittinc@comcast.net
if you plan on attending.
- (2/8/2003) The Prince William News reports on the proposed reduction of property tax rates
Times Community Newspapers - County Aims to Keep Reducing Tax Rate
- (2/5/2003) The Potomac News reports on Prince William County providing some of the local towns such as Dumfries and Quantico with $178,000 for homeland security. These
funds will go towards such things as portable radios for local police. We at the Southbridge Sentinel consider this as a step in the right direction in improving the coordination of local
homeland defense efforts. For more information, go to:
The Potomac News - County Agrees to Share Security Grant with Towns
- (1/22/2003) The Potomac News reports on Prince William County considering placing limits on the building of Big Box stores such as Wal-Mart with in the county, for more, go to:
The Potomac News - County Studies Limits for Big Box Retailers
- (12/16/2002) The Potomac News reports on Prince William County hiring a new planner to focus on the revitalization of Route 1:
The Potomac News - County Hires New Planner to Renew U.S. 1
- (12/12/2002) The Potomac News reports more on the pending sale of Cherry Hill to KSI Services:
Potomac News - Developer Contracts to Buy Cherry Hill Land
- (12/11/2002) The Washington Post reports that Legend Properties intends to sell its interest in Cherry Hill to developer KSI Services, Inc. from Vienna, VA. This is what Doug Widell
would not comment upon at last night's Annual Meeting:
Washington Post - Cherry Hill Developer Selling to New Builder
- (12/11/2002) Here are the highlights from last night's Southbridge HOA Annual Meeting:
1) John Harper, Jr. and Michael Smith were elected to 2 vacant positions on the Board.
2) During the Development Update session, it was announced the Town Center was contingent on the building of the Route 234 By-Pass which will probably not be built for at least
another 5-6 years according to VDOT's plan. Also, the Golf Course is still slated to be built for 2005-2006. The VRE station is still in the long-term planning stages.
3) During the Open Forum, Doug Widell refused to comment on the question if there were negotiations to sell Cherry Hill. However, the Washington Post reported the announcement
of the pending sale made by PWC planning officials in the article linked above.
4) There were many questions and concerns raised by residents about snow clearing. Terry McGuire from Cardinal Management explained that snow clearing in Southbridge is done three ways. First, VDOT plows the main roads (Route 1, Cherry Hill Road, and Wayside Drive up to the point where the developer takes over road maintenance). Second, in the townhouse areas, the HOA contracts through the landscaping service. Third, the developer contracts for oad clearing for the rest of Southbridge. One problem that will be examined
by the Facilities Committee is what to do about sidewalks under VDOT which do not get clear which are safety hazards because they are not cleared.
5) Another problem that the Facilities Committee promised to research is how to prevent speeding on Wayside Drive where there are a lot of children who live there and walk to Swans
Creek Elementary School. Some solutions that will get examined include new stop signs, speed humps/dips, more police presence, etc.
6) There will be a request for adult volunteers to patrol the pool areas to prevent disruptive activities.
- (12/4/2002) The Potomac News has an article about a County proposal to limit box trucks being parking in residential and agricultural areas:
Potomac News - County Considers More Parking Restrictions
- (12/4/2002)
Potomac News - County Welcomes Command Center
- (12/4/2002) The Washington Post reports that PWC will be joining the Virginia Coalition of High-Growth Communities which lobbies the VA General Assembly for pro-smart growth
legislation. Even the "Gang of Five" supports it.
Washington Post - Local Lawmakers Flock to Join Growth Control Coalition
- (12/4/2002) The Washington Post reports on a problem our local area's finest have, a lone eagle. Apparently, the eagle has landed within 500 feet of the proposed new shooting range near the Possum Point power plant. The electric company and local police agencies are trying to find a way to accommodate both the needs of local and state law enforcement for training and federal regulations which protect endangered birds such as our new neighbor from activities which are considered disruptive (such as dozens of policemen firing pistols, rifles and shotguns near its nest on top of the sounds from the weapons training from the Marine Corps Base Quantico).
Washington Post - Nesting in Close Range, Eagle Endangers Proposed Shooting Site
- (11/27/2002) I spoke too soon. The Potomac News reports on the rejection of the smart growth initiative:
- (11/27/2002) The Potomac News has an article about how Dumfries can't hold on to its Town Managers:
Dumfries to lose fifth town manager in past 10 years - Potomac News Online
- (11/27/2002) The Washington Post reports on a measured being proposed among the Board of Supervisors to match growth with transportation infrastructure and not approve massive subdivisions where roads may be years away, if they get built at all. Gee, doesn't that have familiar ring to it? Possible evidence that smart growth may not be such an alien concept in PWC?
- (11/18/2002) The Washington Post reports on the possibility that PWC may have to make up the Commonwealth's funding shortfalls:
The Washington Post - County Unlikely to Make Up for State Shortfall
- (11/18/2002) The Potomac News has an article about the new skate park:
The Potomac News - County Skate Park Opens To Public
- (11/14/2002) The Potomac News has an article about the new communities being built near the McCroat Administration Center. Possible evidence of smart growth within Prince William County? :
The Potomac News - Town center Will Encourage People To Live Where They Work
- (9/29/2002) The Potomac News has an article about the change in management at Southbridge:
New Southbridge Chief Invites Input - Potomac News Online
- (8/26/2002) The new Vice President for Legend properties is Doug Widell. He can be reached at (703) 221-4251 or at widell@gate.net. The new Southbridge Community Association General Manager is Phenita Hebert, who can be reached at (703) 221-7716. The new Assistant General Manager is Sandra Birdsall.
- (8/25/2002) We just found out that Property Manager Mike Anderson has been terminated from Legend Properties. If anyone has word on the reason why, please let us know at: dittinc@comcast.net.
- (7/28/2002) The Washington Post reports on the expansion plans of our local hospitals:
Hospitals Plan For Expansions As Area Grows (washingtonpost.com)
- (7/28/2002) The Washington Post reports on the local bond referendum:
County Weighs $69 Million Bond for Local Roads (washingtonpost.com)
- (7/28/2002) The Washington Post reports on the Board of Supervisors opposition to a new state education funding plan:
- (7/14/2002) Guess who else wants to Prince William County and the Board of Supervisors can't stop? Hooters! That's right, take a look and smell the hot wings:
- (6/20/2002) The Potomac News and the Daily Journal report on the revival of some local VDOT road construction projects:
VDOT revives two county road projects - Potomac News Online
- (6/4/2002) The Daily Journal reports on a proposal to make the waters off Leesylvania State Park a no-wake zone:
- (6/2/2002) Both the Washington Post has a report on the proposed bond referendum for road construction in PWC:
- (5/26/2002) The Potomac News has an article about new natural gas pipeline being built in our area. Note: The construction currently being done behind the houses on
Desert Palm Court are for an access road along the power lines for VEPCO, not for this pipeline.
Gas pipeline digging to start in Lake Ridge - Potomac News Online
- (5/26/2002) The Washington Post has listing of regional projects affected by VDOT budget cutbacks for road construction.
- (5/11/2002) The Potomac News has an article about the Urban Land Institute's study to improve Route 1. You may hear Supervisor Caddigan refer to it a lot on
May 13th, so we figured you should read about it.
- (5/10/2002) Kate Bissell from The Potomac News writes about the latest developments:
- (5/10/2002) The Potomac News notes the political trend towards "Smart Growth" throughout Virginia. Politicians, read and heed!
- (5/10/2002) Opponents of the Southbridge Wal-Mart project will make their grievances known at a meeting on Monday, MAY 13 at 7:00 p.m.
To read more on the controversy, go to:
- (5/10/2002) The Potomac News reports that the PWC property tax rate may go down another cent for 2003.
Supervisors plan to drop tax rate another cent in 2003 - Potomac News Online
- (4/21/2002) News Channel Eight report on the problems with the Dulles Rail project:
- (4/6/2002) Our dog, Zoe/Lucy, has been recovered. Thanks for your tips!
- (4/3/2002) Guess who wants to move into Southbridge? Read about it in The Potomac News at:
Wal-Mart plans Dumfries store - Potomac News Online
NOTE: If you want to fight this, let us know at: dittinc@comcast.net
- (4/2/2002) The Potomac News reports about plans to renovate Dumfries:
- (4/2/2002) The Potomac News reports about a study which proposes more Sheriff's Deputies for prince William County:
- (3/31/2002) The Potomac News reports about rise in Home Prince Sales in Prince William County:
Home sales soar in Prince William County - Potomac News Online
- (3/31/2002) The Washington Post reports on Prince William County supplementing the difference in pay for its employees who are military reservists on recall. Since
DITT~Inc.'s own President is a Navy Reservist himself, who whole-hearted support this patriotic gesture.
Board Saluted For Boosting Reservists' Pay (washingtonpost.com)
- (3/3/2002) The Potomac News reports about the proposed gas line going through the Cherry Hill area, including Southbridge:
Power plant's pipeline plans perplex peninsula's proprietor - Potomac News Online
- (3/3/2002) The Washington Post reports on a recent Virginia Supreme Court ruling which overrode Prince William County's decision to limit the number of houses in a proposed housing development in Triangle.
Court Rejects 'Piecemeal Downzoning' of Parcel (washingtonpost.com)
- (3/1/2002) The Washington Post has some good news concerning the new Prince William County budget, including lower property taxes!
Prince William Aims to Tax Less And Spend More (washingtonpost.com)
- (3/1/2002) The Potomac News has an article about proposals to develop the Route 1 corridor.
U.S. 1 hits bumps in the road to revitalization - Potomac News Online
- (2/7/2002) The Potomac News has an article about concerns that Legend Properties may sell Southbridge:
- (2/5/2002) The Potomac News has an article about latest developments on the education & transportation proposals:
- (2/5/2002) The Potomac News has an article about local property values:
- (2/5/2002) The Potomac News has an article about the new surgical center at Potomac Hospital:
-(1/29/2002) The Washington Post has an article about Prince William County's budget surplus:
- (1/6/2002) The Potomac News has an article about Comcast's efforts to stem cable thief:
- (11/25/2001) The Washington Post has another article about proposed sales tax increases for Northern Virginia:
- (11/25/2001) The Daily Journal has an article about upcoming challenges to local government budgets:
The Journal Newspapers Online: Officials try to pinpoint budget weaknesses
- (11/9/2001) The Manassas Journal Messenger has an article about the County's plans for improving communications for public safety services in the Dumfries area.
County Plans Lands Acquisition to Bolster Emergency Services
- (10/28/2001) The Washington Post has conducted a survey the status of Prince William County services and quality of life:
- (10/28/2001) The Washington Post reports on the race for Commonwealth Delegate:
- (10/28/2001) The Washington Post has an article about construction on the last leg of Route 234:
- (10/25/2001) Highlights of the SCA Annual Meeting included:
-- The election of John Harper, Jr by the Community to fill a one-year term on the Board of Directors to fill a vacant spot.
-- Discussion on long-term developments such as the town center on Cherry Hill, the extension of Route 234, the building of the VRE station and playgrounds.
Also, there was discussion on improving lighting in the townhouse areas.
- (10/25/2001) The Washington Post reports on PWC's efforts to prepare for possible future terrorist attacks:
County Seeks Federal Funds For Readiness (washingtonpost.com)
- (10/25/2001) The Daily Journal has the following article about developments in beefing up VRE services along the Fredericksburg line which serves the Southbridge area:
- (9/30/2001) The Potomac News reports on PWC's efforts to counter chemical and biological attacks: County ready for Biowarfare
- (9/6/2001) The Washington Post finally reports a compromise by the PWC Board of Supervisors over the budget impasse:
Pr. William Supervisors Make Peace On Budget (washingtonpost.com)
- (8/29/2001) The Potomac News has the following 2 articles about democracy in inaction in Prince William County:
Chairman urges board members to give back salary after walkout - Potomac News Online
Supervisor Hill renews request for Sheriff's Office review - Potomac News Online
- (8/29/2001) Meanwhile, our area becomes a little more unsafe as proven by the recent incident at Locust Shade Park:
Mother wrestles with man trying to kidnap her 3-year-old daughter - Potomac News Online
- (8/24/2001) There will be a new Subway store opening next Wednesday nest to the Pumps gas station on Route 1 near the intersection with Route 234.
- (8/24/2001) ACTS is asking if there is anyone within the business community there who would be willing to donate a used computer or maybe a refurbished one...to the only
shelter for
battered and abused woman and their children in the entire Prince William County..? The shelter is non-profit. The donation would be tax-deductible.
ACTS / Turning Points
Contact: Jan Ford Residential Shelter: Yes
Address: PO Box 74, Dumfries VA 22026-0074
Hotline: 703/221-4951 Services required for Certification.
Office Phone : 701-221-2156
Shelter Coordinator: Maria Dobbs
TTY: 703/221-3811
Additional Services Provided
Batterer Intervention Program Emergency Cell Phones
Free Attorney Services Outreach in Jails / Prisons
Outreach in Schools Teen Program
Transitional Housing
Office: 703/221-4460 Service Area
Fax: 703/221-3585 Dumfries
Cities served: Manassas, Manassas Park, Prince William Co., Woodbridge
E-mail: ACTS2TP@aol.com
- (8/23/2001) On August 28th, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., there will be an information meeting on the extension of Route 234 through Southbridge at the Southbridge Community Center.
light refreshments will be served. Please note VDOT is not sponsoring or being represented at this meeting. It is being hosted by Legend Properties. For your information, the
extension will move east from Route 234 landing near Deweys Run to the powerline east of Route 1.
- (8/23/2001) Newly opened businesses in the area include a new built Sleep Inn on Route 1 in Dumfries, a new Hard Times Cafe/Santa Fe Billiards Club in Dale City near
Potomac Mills. There appears to be a new Wawa Gas station being built in Woodbridge.
- (8/23/2001) The following is an article from the PWC Daily Journal concerning the recent Republican primary: The Journal Newspapers Online Primary News
- (8/19/2001) There will be a public hearing of the PWC Planning Commission on Wednesday, SEP 5, at the McCroat Building at 7:30 p.m. The meeting concerns a legend
Properties request to change the zoning in the Town Center area from Suburban Residential - Low to Suburban Residential - Medium & Office and allow for mid-rise office buildings.
- (8/19/2001) The Washington Post has the following articles about the upcoming primaries. remember that August 21st is Primary Day, please vote!
Primary Looming, Candidates Hustle (washingtonpost.com)
Shift in Power Colors Primaries (washingtonpost.com)
Tax Issue Spurs Challenges (washingtonpost.com)
- (8/9/2001) The Potomac News has the following article concerning the Prince William County Board of Supervisors latest budget impasse: Supervisors trade jabs about walkout
- Potomac News Online/Manassas Journal Messenger
- (8/6/2001) The Washington Post has the following article about the economy of the area:
Despite Economy, Boating Is Booming (washingtonpost.com)
- (8/6/2001) The Washington Post has the following article about the new Marine Corps Museum to be built the area near Quantico:
Marines to Build Heritage Center Near I-95 (washingtonpost.com)
- (8/6/2001) The Washington Post has the following article about the upcoming primary races, including discussion our Southbridge's own Bob Berry:
Anti-Tax Candidates Shake GOP in N.Va. (washingtonpost.com)
- (7/25/2001) Highlights of last nights informational Board of Directors meetings:
-- Southbridge now has 939 units. Once we get to 1000 units there will be two members (one elected from the community and one from the developer) added to the Board.
-- A Board Member has resigned and a replacement will be appointed by the Board at next month's meeting. All those interested, please contact and send a resume to the
Community Manager.
-- There will a skeleton (or straw man) of the community 5-Year Plan in the next newsletter for the community to review and comment upon.
-- Community members are asked to get involved in the committees especially those who want to see improvements like the building of basketball courts. Contact information '
on the committees is included in the newsletter.
- (7/12/2001) River Ridge Blvd is finally open to traffic from Southbridge. The speed limit is 35 MPH.
- (7/12/2001) There will be a self storage facility built next to the Citgo station across from the entrance to River Ridge on Route 1.
- (7/12/2001) Southbridge now has a new on-site manager, Keri Butler, who is available at Southbridge at (703) 221-7716 during the following hours:
Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Wednesdays: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The office is closed Sundays and Mondays.
- (5/11/2001) The following came from The Potomac News:
Donation gives Cherry Hill land for park
| By Keith Walker The Prince William Park Authority recently accepted a gift of $530,000 from the Cockpit Point Corp. to build a 6.3-acre community park at New Cherry Hill Road and River Ridge Boulevard. The park, to be named after the late C. Lacey Compton, a former Prince William County District Court judge, will include outdoor skating trails, picnic pavilions, horseshoe pits and a playground, Prince William Park Authority spokeswoman Beth Robertson said. “It will be a nice neighborhood park, and the nice thing is, there are no other outdoor, in-line skating facilities in the area,” Robertson said. In 1961, Compton and other local businessmen formed Cockpit Point Corp., a nonprofit organization dedicated to attracting industry to 350 acres on the Cherry Hill peninsula. Cockpit Point board members A. Pickens Butler and Werner Quasebarth said the corporation’s founders thought the county could benefit from industrial revenue. They asked the county to rezone the area for heavy industrial uses and appoint a board of directors to oversee development. “We were all of a mind that the tax base of Prince William was all residential, and the residents of Prince William couldn’t bear the burden, so our aim was to broaden the tax base and bring in industrial development,” said Butler, a former Piedmont Federal Savings Bank chief executive officer. Over the years, Cockpit Point made efforts to bring industries such as shipyards and oil refineries to the area, which was once a garbage dump for Washington, D.C., said Quasebarth, former chief executive officer of Atlas Machine and Ironworks in Gainesville. Democrat Hilda Barg, who represents the area on the County Board of Supervisors, said although the company brought some tax revenue to the county through property rental, circumstances always prevented the group from realizing their vision. "There was no good access to the area, and they just couldn’t get it developed for industrial uses,” Barg said. Quasebarth said the “not-in-my-back-yard syndrome” existed then as now. “Of course the people that lived along that street [Cockpit Point Road] didn’t want that kind of traffic running up and down their road,” Quasebarth said. Local lawyer C. Lacey Compton, Judge Compton’s son, said environmental considerations finally arrested all developmental plans for the area. “It eventually became clear that the county didn’t want heavy industrial development because of environmental concerns,” Compton said. Cockpit Point’s directors recognized that the corporation would ultimately outlive its usefulness, and prepared for that contingency. They wrote provisions into the company’s charters that stipulated any money remaining in the organization’s coffers at dissolution would revert to the county. “When it was originally set up, the money had to go back to the county, and those men wanted it to be for recreational facilities,” Compton said. Compton said the county honored Cockpit Point’s wishes and elected to use the money for the park. “It was always the county’s decision,” Compton said. By 1996, the corporation sold its last piece of property, and the remaining board members decided to disburse the corporation’s funds. “We’ve been virtually inactive for some time, and we decided to follow the dictates of our charter,” Butler said. “Most of what I knew about Cockpit Point is gone with age, but I remember it was an unselfish group and I’m proud to have been involved with the organization,” Butler, 76, said. Groundbreaking for the new park will be held 2 p.m. on May 26 at 3000 New Cherry Hill Road in Woodbridge. |
- (4/30/2001) The following came from The Potomac News:
Board to mull eighth district
| By CARYN GOEBEL
The option of adding an eighth election district within Prince William County will be taken into consideration by the Board of County Supervisors on Tuesday as they prepare to redraw boundary lines based on the newest census counts. County staff will present criteria for redistricting during the board’s daytime session, a move expected to prompt discussion among supervisors on whether to redraw the county’s existing seven districts, or add another magisterial district to the county. The county currently has seven election districts and one at-large district, resulting in an eight-member board of supervisors. By law, the county can increase its board membership to nine. Census 2000 population figures released in March revealed district lines would need to be redrawn to bring each district population within 5 percent of the ideal 40,116 population, according to Pierce Homer, the deputy county executive. The supervisors will also consider a request to the Virginia Department of Transportation to install traffic calming measures on Smoketown Road, an issue that has divided neighbors in the Occoquan District. It is expected that Supervisor Ruth T. Griggs, R-Occoquan, will ask the agenda item be moved from the day session to evening, so constituents who work during the day will have the opportunity to listen in on discussions. The proposed resolution requests that the Virginia Department of Transportation take phased measures to slow traffic on Smoketown Road, a street commonly used as a cut-through for motorists from Old Bridge to Minnieville roads. |